How GIS Has Changed Our World

A study of dementia diagnosis in UK produced by The Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Scotland with the help of the supermarket chain Tesco predicts that more than a million people will suffer from dementia by 2021 in the UK. The researchers say their figures show that half a million people are now living without a diagnosis.

According to Jeremy Hughes, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, the ‘dementia map’ showed some big gaps in rates of diagnosis. The map shows that Dorset has the lowest rates of diagnosis, with just 26% knowing they suffer from dementia. However at the other end of the spectrum, that figure rises to 69% in Belfast.

The figures also show that some regions face big challenges in the future. Care Services Minister Paul Burstow says, “With our ageing population and the high number of people who never receive a diagnosis for their dementia, the need for raising awareness and encouraging people to seek help has never been greater.”